Plans to redesign the road layout around Three Bridges would leave drivers facing a long detour if they want to go east, a taxi driver has warned.

Derek Kiernan, a taxi driver and a taxi drivers’ association committee member, told the Crawley Observer that he is keen to highlight an issue which could cause huge inconvenience to drivers, particularly taxi drivers and their passengers.

“One of the proposals is for no right turn from the station he said. *The proposal is that you leave Three Bridges station and go to the Paymaster General’s roundabout.

*The’re expecting us to rive for about a mile and a half diversion, and the public to pay for it. You can imagine the extra traffic, extra pollution

A previous public consultation suggested general support for the no right turn option. However, the report into the public comments acknowledged: “Some comments expressed concern over the impact the loss of the right hand turn would have on taxis as alternative routes would increase fares – participants felt that over the year these costs for season ticket holders would mean a lot.”

Revised plans for improvements to Three Bridges are on display today in County Mall.

The new plans include a new eastern access for pedestrians and cyclists to the station with a vehicle pick-up and drop-off point along Station Hill, an enlarged taxi waiting area and the introduction of more pedestrian crossings in and around the station area.

The council is hosting several information sessions for the public to attend:

Monday 12 February – 5-7.30pm, Three Bridges Station

Wednesday 14 February – 10am-4pm, County Mall

Thursday 22 February – 4-7pm, Crawley Library

Saturday 24 February – 10am-2pm, Three Bridges Station

Tuesday 27 February – 6.30 to 9.30am, Three Bridges Station

Wednesday 28 February – 2.30-5.30pm, Three Bridges Station

Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development councillor Peter Smith, said: Three Bridges is a vital gateway in and out of Crawley and it ts important to us that the scheme meets the needs of residents and visitors.

“We are listening to what people have to say, so I would encourage everyone to come to one of our sessions and let us know what you think.”

Network Rail, route enhancement manager, Paul Donald said: “We filly support the Crawley Growth Programme plans to improve connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and motorist at Three Bridges station. Well connected stations are a vital link for local communities and mean better journeys for rail passengers.”

Stephen Hillier, West Sussex County Council Lead Cabinet Member for the Crawley Growth programme, said: “These proposals are aimed at improving safety and access to Three Bridges Station – one of the key priorities in the Crawley Growth Programme.

Public feedback would be particularly appreciated on these design proposals as the station is such a vital transport link.”

Jonathan Sharrock, chief executive at Coast to Capital said: ‘We are working closely with partners in improving rail infrastructure across the region and we are fully supportive of the proposed upgrades to Three Bridges station.

These upgrades will be crucial in improving the accessibility to the network and will greatly benefit – the wider Crawley Growth programme.”

Crawley Borough Council, in partnership with Govia Thameslink Railway, Network Rail and West Sussex County Council, has updated proposals to improve access to the site around Three Bridges Station and we want to know what you think.

A revised concept design for the scheme, part of the Crawley Growth Programme, takes into account the feedback from the public and stakeholders since the last consultation in 2015. This includes a new eastern access for pedestrians and cyclists to the station with a vehicle pick-up and drop-off point along Station Hill, an enlarged taxi waiting area and the introduction of more pedestrian crossings in and around the station area.

The council is hosting several information sessions for the public to attend:

Monday 12 February – 5-7.30pm, Three Bridges Station

Wednesday 14 February – 10am-4pm, County Mall

Thursday 22 February – 4-7pm, Crawley Library

Saturday 24 February – 10am-2pm, Three Bridges Station

Tuesday 27 February – 6.30 to 9.30am, Three Bridges Station

Wednesday 28 February – 2.30-5.30pm, Three Bridges Station

Cabinet member for Planning and Economic Development Councillor Peter Smith, said: “Three Bridges is a vital gateway in and out of Crawley and it is important to us that the scheme meets the needs of residents and visitors.”

“We are listening to what people have to say, so I would encourage everyone to come to one of our sessions and let us know what you think.”

Network Rail, route enhancement manager, Paul Donald, said: “We fully support the Crawley Growth Programme plans to improve connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and motorist at Three Bridges station. Well connected stations are a vital link for local communities and mean better journeys for rail passengers.”

Stephen Hillier, West Sussex County Council Lead Cabinet Member for the Crawley Growth Programme, said: “These proposals are aimed at improving safety and access to Three Bridges Station – one of the key priorities in the Crawley Growth Programme. Public feedback would be particularly appreciated on these design proposals as the station is such a vital transport link.”

Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital said: “We are working closely with partners in improving rail infrastructure across the region and we are fully supportive of the proposed upgrades to Three Bridges station.

These upgrades will be crucial in improving the accessibility to the network and will greatly benefit the wider Crawley Growth Programme. We look forward to seeing future developments as they arise”